Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberwachtmeister

Unit:

Zugführer, 3. Schwadron, Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon (A.A.) 58, 58. Infanterie-Division, Heer

Awarded on:

March 17th, 1945

Nielsen’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“On the 19.02.1945 the Füs.Btl. 58 plus elements of the s.Pz.Abt. 502 were dispatched to take the strongly fortified high ground southwest of Kragau. After completing this task they were to continue to thrust towards Kragau and create a bridgehead east of the Forkener stream. The successful establishment of this bridgehead was of decisive importance for the efforts to restore land contact with Königsberg.

Although strong defensive fire was received from mortars, anti-tank guns and artillery, Oberwachtmeister Nielsen and his Zug were able to reach the base of a hill (the first attack objective) after crossing a completely open field. This hill was then captured following fierce close combat.

In the process Oberwachtmeister Nielsen was wounded. His mission objective was to continue advancing forwards with the ultimate goal of capturing a hill immediately southwest of Kragau. However Oberwachtmeister Nielsen noticed that (despite its best efforts) the right-wing Zug of the Schwadron was unable to make any forward progress in the face of a heavily fortified defensive network atop the neighbouring hill.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Oberwachtmeister Nielsen deviated from his assault sector on his own initiative. He launched a flank attack against the hill that was holding up the entire Schwadron, and although he was wounded he still managed to capture it in bitter close combat. From there he rallied elements of the right Zug that were already beginning to retreat, and with them he pressed onwards.

The stalled assault of the entire Bataillon was brought back into motion thanks to the actions of Oberwachtmeister Nielsen, and the Bataillon was ultimately able to reach its attack objective and seize the heights west of the Forkener stream. This established the necessary starting point from which to continue the combat to open up the land connection to Königsberg.”

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 1st, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

May 12th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

March 1st, 1942